Modeling of vacuum reed failure by using finite element method

The "volcano" phenomenon, a kind of vacuum reed failure, and the possible mechanism of this failure have been discussed previously. For further verification of the conclusions and improvement of the design, a failure simulation model based on finite element analysis is established. The calculation result based on the simulation model is satisfactorily consistent with the investigation. It is also found that overheating at the contact area leads to plastic extension, where residual tensile stress is produced, resulting in cracks on the surface. The parameters and their influences, which affect the failure, are discussed.